TetraSun’s solar photovoltaic (PV) core technology has an advanced cell design that is simpler and optimized for manufacturing, requiring fewer process steps with wider tolerances, unlike other high-efficiency crystalline silicon cells. The design enables high-volume production with higher yields using readily available equipment.
The cost-effectiveness of the technology has been achieved by using large-format 156 mm n-type wafers and eliminating the need for expensive silver and transparent conductive oxide.
First Solar CEO Jim Hughes said that the technology will meet the growing consumer demand with distributed generation applications, coupled with the company’s leading CadTel offering.
TetraSun CEO Denis De Ceuster said, "This is a game-changing technology, and with First Solar we have the freedom to continue our blank-canvas approach, unconstrained by preexisting designs or production equipment, and backed by the strongest balance sheet in the industry."
The commercial-scale manufacturing of the new technology is expected to begin in the second half of 2014.
Terms of the transaction, which is expected to close in the second quarter of 2013, were not disclosed.
In addition, First Solar and JX Nippon Oil & Energy have entered into discussions on an agreement to distribute the technology in Japan.
